MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. - Grace College's men's soccer team overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Mt. Vernon Nazarene 3-2, on Saturday night.

The Lancers (7-2, 1-0 Crossroads League) trailed the Cougars 2-0 at halftime, but would explode for three goals in the second half to pick up their fifth consecutive win. Grace's offensive barrage took a little over 10 minutes of game time.

Freshman Josh Cruz had a stellar night, assisting on Grace's first goal and netting the game winner in the second half.

MVNU (5-5, 0-1 CL) started the game aggressive, as they looked to upset the fifth ranked Lancers.

The Cougars had the first two shots of the game, and were also awarded a pair of early corners as the Lancers seemed to be on the heels to start the game.

Grace conceded the game's first goal in the 21st minute of action. Seven minutes later the Lancers' deficit grew as the Cougars scored again to take a stranglehold on the contest.

Flavio Cruz tried to pull Grace back within a goal late in the half, but his try was turned away and the Lancers entered the intermission down by a pair.

MVNU held a 6-2 shot advantage and a 2-0 corner kick advantage in the first half.

When the second half began, it looked to be more of the same for the upset minded Cougars. In the first two minutes, MVNU had a shot and back-to-back corners but were unable to increase their advantage.

After weathering the early Cougar push, the Lancers began to seize control of the game. Grace had four corner kicks and a pair of shots before finally breaking through.

Josh Cruz played a long crossing pass into the box and Juan Garcia chipped it back across the mouth of the goal to Martim Sequeira who headed it into the net to pull Grace back within a goal.

Five minutes later Sequeira struck again to draw the Lancers even. Flavio Cruz and Jonny Mora worked the ball up the field in a flash, and Mora's crossing pass found Sequeira who headed in his second goal of the night.

The offensive onslaught continued for Grace as minutes later the Lancers took the lead. The go ahead goal started with a seemingly harmless throw in.

Daniel Santos Rosa threw the ball in to Dan Allen who lobbed the ball over the MVNU's defense to Josh Cruz who blasted the ball into the back of the net. Grace turned a two goal deficit into a 3-2 lead in just 10:39.

Despite now owning the lead, Grace's attack did not relent. The Lancers had a trio of corner kicks and another shot on goal before the Cougars were able to make a late push for goal.

The Cougars' desperation  resulted in a myriad of chances. Grace's defense held strong in the waning moments as the Lancers held on for their fifth consecutive victory.

At the final whistle, MVNU had a 16-10 shot advantage and a 8-6 corner kick advantage. The Lancers had three more shots on goal.

Sequeira and Josh Cruz led Grace with three shots apiece, and Matteo Conci made three saves.

Grace will continue Crossroads League action on Wednesday, as the Lancers play host to the Taylor Trojans at 8 p.m.